Lahore Qalandars Edge Quetta Gladiators in High-Scoring Thriller at Gaddafi

The defending champions are back to their winning ways. In a high-octane encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Qalandars secured a vital nine-run victory over Quetta Gladiators, marking their fourth win of the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11).

‎The Match was a showcase of vintage

‎Qalandars cricket; a powerhouse batting performance anchored by a centurion, followed by a clinical, high-pressure defense from their elite pace battery.

• Fakhar’s Fireworks: A Century for the Ages ‎Lahore’s formidable total of 197-6 was built on the back of a masterclass from Fakhar Zaman. After losing Mohammad Farooq early to Khalil Ahmed, Fakhar found a steady partner in Abdullah Shafique. Once the foundation was laid, the “Malang” of Lahore shifted into a higher gear.
• The Fakhar-Asalanka Show: Fakhar and Charith Asalanka (31 off 24) dismantled the Gladiators’ bowling attack with a 96-run partnership.
• The Landmark: Fakhar reached his 3rd PSL century, finishing with a blistering 103 off 51 balls, peppered with 11 boundaries and 6 towering sixes.‎
• The Finish: Despite a late flutter of wickets, Daniel Sams provided the final flourish with an unbeaten 18 to set a daunting target of 198.

Quetta’s Valiant Chase

The Gladiators didn’t back down, launching a spirited pursuit that kept the Lahore crowd on the edge of their seats.‎Shamyl Hussain (53 off 31) and captain Saud Shakeel provided a breezy start, but it was Rilee Rossouw who truly threatened to snatch the game away. Rossouw’s explosive 62 off 29 balls (including five sixes) had Quetta cruising at 149-5, needing less than 50 runs in the final five overs.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Ubaid Shah produced the breakthrough Lahore desperately needed, removing the dangerous Rossouw in the 15th over.

The Death Overs: Rauf and Shaheen Deliver‎

When the game entered the “crunch zone,” Lahore’s pedigree as defending champions shone through.

• The Breakthroughs: Shaheen Afridi removed Bevon Jacobs, while Haris Rauf dismantled Brett Hampton’s stumps with a trademark pinpoint yorker.‎
• The Last Stand: Abrar Ahmed played a cheeky cameo (24* off 14) to bring the equation down to 19 runs required off the final over.
• The Finisher: Facing the pressure of a closing stadium, Haris Rauf remained ice-cold. He conceded only nine runs in the 20th over, stifling Quetta’s hopes and sealing the win for the Qalandars.‎

Top Performers	Stats
Fakhar Zaman	103 (51)
Rilee Rossouw	62 (29)
Shamyl Hussain	53 (31)

Haris Rauf 2 Wickets & Final Over Clutch

The Verdict

With this win, Lahore Qalandars reinforce their status as the team to beat in PSL 11. While Quetta will rue the timing of Rossouw’s dismissal, Lahore’s ability to defend totals under pressure remains the gold standard of the tournament. The Gaddafi Stadium faithful went home happy, having witnessed a classic contest of nerves and skill.